simp

¹ American  

[simp] / sɪmp /

noun

Informal.

1. a fool; simpleton.

---

simp ² American  

[simp] / sɪmp /

noun

Slang: Disparaging.

1. a person, especially a man, who is excessively attentive or submissive to an object of sexual attraction.

   You're still hanging around her? You're such a simp.

2. a weak or submissive person; wimp.

---

verb (used without object)

Slang: Disparaging.

1. to be excessively attentive or submissive, especially to an object of sexual attraction.

   I can't stand to see you simp for someone who gives you the bare minimum.

simp British  

/ sɪmp /

noun

1. slang short for simpleton

---

Etymology

Origin of simp¹

First recorded in 1900–05; shortening of simpleton

Origin of simp²

First recorded in 1980–85; from hip-hop culture; possibly of the same origin as simp ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Not to worry, he points out: the same manosphere bros who deemed Thompson soft or a simp for showering Megan with gifts are welcoming him back with open arms.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

The young actor has taken heat for suggesting that the animated Snow White was a bit of a simp.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

Twitch is also “proactively denying” emotes that include the term simp.

From The Verge • Dec. 16, 2020

His character on “Get a Life,” Chris Peterson, would become a showcase for a comic type Mr. Elliott had honed: the clueless simp who persists in misguided missions.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2012

"Dey'll tink Byrne an' his pardner croaked 'em, you simp," replied Crumb.

From The Mucker by Burroughs, Edgar Rice